Loaded Tater Tots Casserole

Loaded Tater Tots Casserole: the ultimate comfort food. Combines Homestyle Chili with layers of melty cheese, crispy tots, and toppings.

Loaded Chili Tater Tot Casserole

A big ol' pot of chili is a winter favorite here at the farm. It's a supper everyone agrees on with enthusiasm.

I developed this recipe because sometimes the head cook gets tired of chili and wants a new twist on it.

Loaded Tater Tots Casserole starts with our Homestyle Chili recipe, adds lots of cheese, crispy tots, and lots of toppings. Make a double batch so you have enough for leftovers of this easy dinner recipe.

Of course, you can use store-bought chili if that's what fits your plan for the day. Either way, your family will enthusiastically request this hearty casserole.

Loaded Tater Tot Casserole Ingredients

When selecting your toppings for this tater tot casserole recipe, think of loaded baked potatoes or your local restaurant's plate of loaded fries/tots. Here's the list of simple ingredients to get you started:

• Bag of Tater Tots, frozen
• Chili - We made our Homestyle Chili, but use canned if you prefer
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
• Bacon, cooked and diced - or high quality bacon bits
• Onions, chopped - We used yellow onion this time, but green onions are tasty
• Sour Cream
• Jalapenos, pickled or fresh
• Other topping ideas - chopped tomatoes, cilantro, frozen corn (defrosted), cooked broccoli, bell peppers, etc.

How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

1. If using homemade chili, cook as usual.
2. Heat oven to 425 degrees F.
3. Spread 4-5 cups of cooked chili in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. and top with 1 cup cheddar cheese, then a single layer of tater tots.
4. Bake for 30 minutes or until tots are crispy and golden brown. See hint.
5. Sprinkle the top of the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese, sprinkle with bacon, and serve with toppings.

Hint: Spray tater tots with cooking spray before baking to encourage crispy tater tots that are golden brown.

Substitutions and Variations for Loaded Tater Tot Casserole

• Spicy - add chili pepper flakes to amp up the heat even more
• Cheesy - mix up the cheeses. Consider milder mozzarella, Colby Jack, pepperjack, or even melty nacho cheese.
• Ground Beef - Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork in your chili

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. For meal prep use, stores well in individual containers.

Related

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Pairing

Loaded Tater Tots Casserole is a fantastic all-in-one meal. Add a fresh salad, green beans, or fruity dessert and your meal is complete. Try another of our tasty recipes!

Did You Try This Recipe?

Lastly, if you made the Loaded Tater Tots Casserole following this recipe, please let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment and/or giving a rating!

I love hearing from you! I'll do my best to respond to each comment.

And of course, if you do make this recipe, tag @laughingroostereats on Instagram and hashtag it #laughingroostereats! Seeing your photos is our favorite thing!

Food Safety

• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat or eggs
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.